The WIM Deborah Richards-Porter Ladies Tournament concluded with impressive displays of strategic brilliance, showcasing the growing prowess of female chess players in Jamaica.

This tournament, held to empower girls on and off the chessboard, drew just over 90 talented young ladies across four sections: Under 8, Under 10, Under 12, and High School/Open.

Rhea Gardener was crowned as the Under 8 champion with a perfect score (6/6), followed closely by Kundana Gollamudi (5/6) and Gracy Patel (4.5/6). Izabel Misir and Kaelyn Mullings were fourth and fifth, respectively, both ending on 4/6 points.

Nyah Wood dominated the Under 10 section, also achieving a perfect score of 6/6, ahead of Emilia-Rose Leake (5/6), Carissa Chin (4/6), Jhennyssa Trowers (4/6) and Leah Logan (3.5/6).

Elisha Patel emerged victorious in the Under 12 category, likewise with a perfect score (6/6), surpassing Yeney Terry Gordon, Natalya Hinds, Saanvi Paladugu and Kalie Cummings who all ended on 4/6 points.

In the High School/Open section, Kaia Gayle of St Andrew High School for Girls secured top honours with a flawless performance, followed by Glory Murphy, Danielle Yankana, Kaity Gayle, and Cordelia Wilson.

Trophies were awarded from first to fifth place in each section while Creative Kids Learning Academy copped the coveted prize for top school.

Tournament organiser and the person in whom the tournament is named, WIM Deborah Richards-Porter, praised the participants, parents, and sponsors for their support, emphasising the significance of fostering a community that encourages girls to pursue their passions in chess and beyond.